Apparatus and method for medical measurement

ABSTRACT

A two part measuring device for a medical application, including a disposable first part for measuring the data of a patient, and a second part releasably secured to the first part for transmitting the data.

The invention relates to a measuring device for medical application, comprising a first part provided with measuring means for measuring data of a patient, and a second part provided with communication means for sending the data, wherein the first part can be releasably connected to the second part.

Known from the international patent application WO 02/07595 is a connector unit for receiving a disposable catheter for performing for example urological measurements. In the catheter is arranged a pressure sensor for measuring diverse pressure-related data. The connector unit can be connected by means of electrical wiring to peripheral equipment for the purpose of sending the data thereto.

It is a general object of the invention to provide a universal measuring device for medical application with an increased number of possible uses.

A further object of the invention is to provide a measuring device which can easily be sterilised prior to use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a measuring device which is safe in use and dedicated to the intended use.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a measuring device having disposable and reusable parts.

Furthermore the present invention aims to provide a method for obtaining data from a human or animal, especially a bodily cavity and a method for manufacturing a device for medical application, according to the present invention.

A number of these and still further objects are obtained with a device or method according to the present invention.

With a device according to the present invention a suitable combination of a first part having measuring means such as a sensor and a second part for transmitting said data can be made, depending on the desired use. The second part is preferably a reusable part comprising for example electronics dedicated to a specific user such as a doctor, hospital or patient, whereas the first part is preferably a disposable part, dedicated for an intended use, such as comprising catheters for pressure measurement in one or more bodily cavities, electrodes for EMG or EEG or the like.

In a preferred embodiment the communication means are wireless communication means such as Blue tooth®, increasing the usability of the device. The possible uses are considerably increased through the application of wireless communication, because of the fact, among others, that the patient and the peripheral equipment do not have to be located in the same space. In addition, the measuring device according to the invention is extremely easy to use, which increases user convenience to a significant extent. The absence of wires moreover increases the freedom of movement of the patient to a significant degree.

In a preferred embodiment the first part encloses the second part during use, such that the second part is fully surrounded by the first part. In such embodiment the first part functions as a shield for the second part. The first part can be sterilised in a suitable manner, whereas the second part can be introduced into said housing and does not have to be sterilised. A first part can be unwrapped form a package sterilised after which the second part can be introduced into the first part, preparing the device for use. To this end preferably closing means are provided in the first part for introducing the second part into said first part.

The measuring means can be one or more pressure sensors, provided in or on a catheter in a suitable manner. The pressure sensors are connected to the second part when the second part has been positioned into the first part, such that data obtained with the or each sensor can be transferred by said communication means.

In a further preferred embodiment the first part is provided with an electronic circuit for control of the first and/or second part. The electronic circuit is preferably provided in a chip.

In a first embodiment the electronic circuit is designed comprising a counter for timing a period after introduction of the second part into the first part, during which period the device is in an operational state, wherein the circuit is designed to bring the device out of said operational state after said period or upon removal of the second part from the first part. This means that the first part can only be used a limited number of times, especially once and/or only during said period or obtaining of said data can be started only during said period. This prevents reuse or improper use of a first part, especially for example catheters attached thereto.

In a second embodiment the circuit is designed for comprising information about at least data to be measured and/or measuring apparatuses attached to the first part, such as catheters with pressure sensing means and/or the second part to be inserted into said first part. The circuit comprises to that end for example a memory such as a ROM or RAM memory. This also has the advantage that when inserting the second part into the first part the said circuit will communicate with the second part and can automatically set the second part for the specific measurement means.

Preferably the said circuit comprises both features as discussed before. The first and second part can be provided with locking means, such that only compatible first and second parts can be combined. This prevents insertion of a second part into a first part which is not compatible with said second part.

In a specific embodiment a device according to the present invention is characterised in that it comprises at least one catheter, connected to a pressure chamber on or in said first part, a pressure sensor being provided within or connected to said pressure chamber. During use pressure in a fluid within said pressure chamber can be measured with said pressure sensor, resulting in data to be communicated by said communication means.

Preferably said pressure chamber is provided with at least one pressure relieve opening, provided with a one-way valve, positioned such that fluid can be introduced past said valve into said pressure chamber but not in the opposite direction, wherein prior to use of the device the pres sure relieve valve is brought into an opened state such that the pressure chamber is in free communication with the environment of the device. The second p art and/or the first part are more preferably provided with an electronic circuit for resetting the at least one pressure sensor when said pressure relieve valve is in said opened state. This obviates the need of a multi directional tap or valve. Before use the device can be sterilised with said one way valve in said opened state, having an open communication through said pressure chamber and into said catheter. Upon introduction of the second part into the first part the or each pressure sensor can be reset. Reset has to be understood as encompassing setting a zero value with reference to the environmental pressure. After setting said one or more sensors the or each one way valve is brought back into an operational position, out of said opened state, such that pressure fluid can not flow from said catheter or pressure chamber to the environment past said valve. In a suitable solution a plug can be used to bring and keep temporarily said valve in said opened state, which can be removed after said setting of said at least one sensor. Said setting can be done electronically by a suitable circuit in the first and/or second part.

First and second parts as such are also part of the present invention.

The invention further relates to a method for measuring pressure in a bodily cavity using at least one catheter having a sensor, comprising the steps of sterilising said at least one catheter, connected to a first part of a measuring device together with said first part, inserting a second part into said first part, such that said second part is fully enclosed within said first part, said second part being provided with communication means for transmitting data received from said at least one sensor to recording and/or analysing means.

With such method the device can easily be prepared for use, without the necessity of sterilising said second part as such. Moreover, such device can be made relatively small and light, such that it can be worn by a patient.

Moreover the present invention relates to a set of at least one second part and a series of first parts, compatible with said at least one second part.

The present invention furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing a device according to the present invention.

In elucidation of the invention exemplary embodiments of the present invention will hereafter be described, with reference to the drawing.

FIG. 1 shows in perspective view a first embodiment of the measuring device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the parts taken apart;

FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 with connections in a practical situation;

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a measuring device according to the present invention, in which a second part can be inserted into a first part, in disassembled position;

FIG. 5 shows the device according to FIG. 4, in assembled position;

FIG. 6 a third embodiment of a device, especially of a first part thereof, according to the present invention, in exploded view;

FIG. 7 a device according to FIG. 6 from a bottom front side, in assembled position;

FIG. 8 a device according to FIG. 6 and 7, in a top rear view;

FIGS. 9-11 a device according to FIGS. 6-8, in various assembling steps.

Corresponding components are designated in the figures with the same reference numerals. The embodiments shown are only shown by way of example and should not be considered as limiting the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a measuring device 1 comprising a cassette 2 forming a first part, which is connected to a cassette holder 3 forming a second part. In this application the reference sign 2 will be used for the first part, in any form (e.g. cassette or housing), the reference sign 3 for the second p art, in any form (e.g. holder or module) Cassette 2 is provided with measuring means, which in this preferred embodiment are adapted to perform liquid pressure measurements in the field of urology. The measuring means comprises three catheters 4 which are each provided with three ports, i.e. a first port 5 a, 5 b, 5 c for connection of a catheter tube 6 a, 6 b, 6 c (see FIG. 3), a second venting port 7 and a third port 8 in which is arranged a pressure sensor 20 (not shown). The catheters are further provided with a two-way tap 9 and a non-return valve 10. Such a catheter is described at length in the above stated international patent application WO 02/07595 which is incorporated herein by reference, at least for said catheters.

It is noted in this respect that the catheters 4 are preferably at least partly integrated into the cassette. The cassette is provided with recesses on which a close-fitting casing is placed in liquid-tight manner, the recesses and casing together forming said art of the catheters 4, especially pressure chambers 18. The components of the catheters and the function thereof corresponds however to that of the known catheters, to which reference has been made above.

Cassette 2 can be connected releasably to holder 3 by means of a connector 27, this being illustrated in FIG. 2. It is noted that many types of suitable connectors are available commercially for releasable connection of the cassette 2 and the holder 3.

During use the cassette 2 may come into contact with bodily fluids of the patient and is intended as a disposable article. The holder 3 is preferably provided with a power supply, for instance in the form of batteries. Preferably a rechargeable battery is used such as known from mobile phones. Such battery is robust and light as well as compact. In the cassette 2 a chip 13 is provided, connected to the cassette holder 3 and to said battery, which chip 13 comprises an electronic circuit with a counter or timer. Once the cassette 2 is connected to the holder 3 said counter is initiated and starts timing a preset period of time during which said device can be used, for example for receiving and transmitting data obtained with said pressure sensors. After passing said preset period the chip 13 will stop the device 1 and prevent reuse of said cassette 2. Preferably said chip 13 is designed to allow only one use of said cassette, whereas disconnecting said cassette 2 form said holder 3 will prevent a second use, although disconnecting and reconnecting within said period may be allowable, depending on the setting of said chip 13.

Moreover the chip 13 can be provided with memory means in which data can be stored concerning for example an intended user such as a doctor or hospital, the type of catheters connected to said cassette 2, the intended use and the like. When connecting said cassette 2 to said holder 3 the chip 13 is read by said holder 3, that is by electronics inside said holder 3. A verification cycle is performed and if the data stored in said memory is acknowledged as compatible with the holder 3, the desired data can be obtained with the sensors 20. Otherwise the device will be blocked. This prevents unalloyed or improper use. Preferably said chip 13 can be charged with information only once.

Holder 3 is provided with wireless communication means. The communication means comprise at least one transmitter, for instance a radio frequency transmitter 11. All peripherals with a suitable receiver can receive and/or process the data sent by the holder. Examples of such peripherals are computers, such as personal computers, including laptops, as well as electronic agendas, the so-called palmtop. If desired, the communication means can also comprise a receiver, preferably a radio frequency receiver. Suitable wireless communication means are per se known and available commercially. Use is preferably made of a protocol for monitoring the completeness and/or reliability of the received data. Such protocols are per se known and available commercially in the form of software and/or hardware. An example of suitable wireless communication means is the Blue Tooth® system of IBM.

Holder 3 is further provided with electronics for reading the measurement values of the pressure sensor and converting thereof into data suitable for transmission. Holder 3 comprises for this purpose means for digitizing the data. The holder can also comprise a pre-amplifier. Such electronics are commercially available and therefore known to a skilled person in the field.

Holder 3 is also provided with means for attaching the holder to a patient, such as adhesive electrodes (not shown), and is suitable for stationary and ambulatory use. Holder 3 is suitable and intended for reuse. It can be cleaned simply in usual manner, for instance with a wet cloth. The holder can be made splashproof by liquid-tight sealing of the connector for the cassette.

FIG. 3 shows measuring device 1 in a practical situation. A catheter tube 6 a for rectal measurement of the abdominal pressure is connected to port 5 a. A catheter tube 6 b for simultaneously measuring the pressure in the urethra and in the bladder is connected to ports 5 b and 5 c.

In FIG. 4 a second embodiment of a device 1 according to the present invention is shown, comprising a first part 2 or cassette, designed as a housing, and a second part 3 or send module. The second part 3 can be inserted into a cavity 14 in the first part 2, through an opening 15 (FIG. 4), which can be closed off by a lid 16 for fully enclosing said second part 3 within said first part 2, shielding the second part 3 from the environment (FIG. 5). This means that the second part does not have to be sterile, whereas the first part 2 can be sterilised without said second part 3 containing the communication means.

As discussed before, the catheters can be connected to or form part of the first part. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-11 the tap as shown in FIGS. 1-3 is removed. A one way valve 17 is inserted into the pressure chamber 18, as will be discussed hereafter, opposite the catheter 4, such that in normal operating condition no fluid can pass the valve 17 from the catheter and/or the pressure chamber 18 to the environment. However, air can pass the valve in the opposite direction if necessary. During sterilising of the first part 2, especially the catheters and pressure chambers end/or setting of the sensors, the valve may be opened mechanically for providing a free passage along said valve. After setting of said sensors the valve may be closed, for example by removing a blocking means such as a plug. Thus a very simple and economical device is obtained. Setting can be performed automatically upon introduction of the second part into the first part.

The first part is provided with four pressure chambers 18, to each of which a cathater 4 can be attached. Each pressure chambers comprises an opening 19 into said cavity, in or under which opening a pressure sensor 20 can be attached, such that it can measure pressure within said pressure chamber, at least in fluid therein.

FIGS. 6-11 show an embodiment of a first part 2 of a device according to the present invention, in a modified construction. FIG. 6 shows the device in exploded view, from the bottom side, FIGS. 7 and 8 in bottom and top view.

The first part 2 comprises a top part 21 comprising the pressure chambers 18. The openings 19 are visible near an end wall 22. The pressure sensors 20 can be attached to the bottom 23 of the bottom part, over said openings 21, after which a connecting board 24 is slid against said wall 22, over the pressure sensors 20. Interconnectors 25 are slid into said connector board 24 for each sensor 20. Then a connecting plate 26 is positioned on top of said interconnectors 25, which connecting plate 26 comprises a first connector 27 and said chip 13. Electrical connections (not shown) are provided for connecting interconnectors 25, chip 13 and first connector 27.

The second part 3, as shown in FIG. 3, comprises a second connector 28 for connecting to the first connector 27, similar to the connectors as discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-3, for exchange of data and other inforomation and energy. In the device 1 as shown in FIGS. 6-11, to only two pressure chambers 18 a catheter is connected, for example by gluing. Shown are a triple lumen catheter 4A with leakage detection 4B and a balloon catheter 4C but obviously any kind of catheter can be connected, based on for example the choice of the manufacturer and/or desires of the user. As shown, the triple lumen catheter has an electrical leakage detector that can be attached to the connecting plate by connecting pins 34. In the relevant two pressure chambers 18 connected to a catheter 4 a one way valve 17 is inserted, for example manufactured by Qosina. The other two pressure chambers are closed off on both sides by suitable lids 29. Into the opening 30 of each valve 17 a plug 31 is inserted, such that the valve is brought and held in an opened position, for sterilisation and/or setting, as discussed. The plugs 31 can for example be hollow and can be clamped into said openings 30, such that they can easily be removed before measuring data. It should be noted that such plug or similar means could also be used with a catheter according to WO 02/07595.

The first part 2 further comprises a lid 32, for closing the first part 2. The lid 32 comprises two parts, an upper part 33 which can be secured to the top part 21 at the side of the end wall 22. A lower part 35 can be slid in and over the bottom part 33, having an end wall 36 such that the lid 32 will close of the housing or first part 2 around a second part 3 connected to the connecting plate 26. In the lid 32 an opening 37 can be provided in which a sensor or other attachment means can be provided for connecting said first part to means for wearing said device, for example on an arm, leg, garment or the like, as discussed with respect to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1-3. Once the lid is positioned the first part is hermetically closed and shields a second part 3 positioned therein from the environment and vice versa.

FIG. 7 shows the assembled device 1 of FIG. 6, form the bottom, FIG. 8 from the top.

A device 1 according to FIG. 6 can be made manufacturing the bottom part 21, for example by injection moulding, including the hollow pressure chambers 18, after which the sensors 20 are positioned over the openings 19, for example by gluing. Then the connecting board 23, the interconnectors 24 and the connecting plate are brought into position. Suitable snap means 50 are provided for locking these into position, as shown in FIG. 9.

Then the bottom part 21 is sent to for example a manufacturer of catheters, who will prepare the bottom part for a specific customer by attaching the appropriate catheters 4 to the pressure chambers 18, for example by gluing, welding, snap fitting or the like, preferably such that they can not be removed, as is shown in FIG. 11. Then the chip 13 will be programmed with information about for example the catheters 4, the intended use, the intended user or any other information thought appropriate. Obviously this may also be done at the site of manufacturing the device itself.

The lid 32 will be placed, as is shown in FIG. 10, together with the valves 17 with plugs 31 and lids 29. The first part 2, comprising the catheters will then normally be sterilised, wrapped in a wrapper and send to the user, ready for application.

The user has a second part 3, dedicated to for example him, his hospital and/or to specific first parts 2. When the device 1 is to be used for for example measurement of pressures within one or more cavities, the catheters 4 are appropriately positioned and the lower part 35 is removed or hinged open, after which the second part 3 is slid into the cavity 14 and connected to the first part 2, particularly to the connector 27. The lid 32 is then closed and the device is ready for use.

Upon connecting the second part 3 to the first part 2 the chip 13 and the second part will exchange a recognition protocol. If the first part is recognised and authenticated by the second part the device is in an operating state. The sensors will be set automatically to the environmental pressure, due to the open connection between the pressure chamber and the environment, past the one way valve. This pressure will be used as reference pressure. Once the sensors 20 are reset, the plugs 31 are removed, closing the valves 17 and the actual pressures can be measured and the data can be stored and/or transmitted.

As discussed before, upon connecting the connectors 27, 28, a timer is set in the chip 13, timing a period in which the device can be used or during which at least the measurement of data has to commence. Would the second part be removed again within a certain time after said connecting, it may be reloaded but after said time, which is preferably considerably shorter then said period, reconnecting will be useless because the chip 13 will prevent reuse. The first part is a disposable, to be used only once.

A measuring device according to the invention is described in the context of urological applications. It will however be apparent to a skilled person in the field that the measuring means can if desired be replaced by diverse other measuring means for use in other fields of medical science. An example of such measuring means are means for measuring electrophysiological data, for instance measuring electrodes. The measuring device is then suitable for performing a general electrophysiological examination, such as ECG measurements and gastro-enterological measurements. The skilled person will have no difficulty whatever in also using other, per se known measuring means in combination with the above described measuring device.

In FIG. 3, in addition to the catheters, two measuring electrodes 12 are connected to cassette 2 to perform ECG measurements. This is also possible in the embodiments of FIGS. 4-11.

The present invention is by no means limited by or to the embodiments as shown or discussed. Many variations are possible within the frame as set by the claims. For example combinations of parts of the embodiments can be made, another number of catheters can be used and these can be connected in a different manner. Other means may be provided for timing the said period, which may be set off in a different manner, for example by closing the lid 32 or by first receipt of data from the sensors.

The second part and the first part may be provided with cooperating locking means, allowing only a second part with a first locking means, for example a pin, to be used with a fitting second locking means, for example a hole. This is a further obstacle to inappropriate use of a wrong first or second part. A first part according to the present invention may be manufactured without a chip and may be suitable for multiple use. Other communication means may be used, even wired communication, although wireless is preffered. 

1. A measuring device for medical application, comprising a first part provided with a measuring means for measuring data of a patient, and a second part provided with communication means for sending the data, wherein the second part is, during use, connected to and preferably enclosed within the first part.
 2. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the communication means are wireless.
 3. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the first part is a disposable article.
 4. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the first part comprises a housing having closing means through which the second part can be introduced into said housing and said housing is closed off around said second part.
 5. A measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the first part comprises at least one catheter for measuring pressure in a bodily cavity, pressure measurement means being provided connected to said second part when the second part is connected to and preferably enclosed within said first part
 6. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the first part comprises first connectors, the second part being provided with second connectors for establishing electrical contact between the first and second parts upon introduction of the second part in the first part.
 7. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the first part is provided with an electrical circuit, preferably a chip, for control of the first and/or second part.
 8. A measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the circuit has a counter for timing a period after introduction of the second part into the first part, during which period the device is in an operational state, the circuit being designed to bring the device out of said operational state after said period or upon removal of the second part from the first part.
 9. A measuring device according to claim 7, wherein said circuit is designed to allow use of the first part only once.
 10. A measuring device account to claim 7, wherein said circuit is designed for comprising information about at least: data to be measured; and/or measuring apparatuses attached to the first part, such as catheters with pressure sensing means; and/or the second part to be inserted into said first part.
 11. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second part are provided with first and second locking means respectively, such that only a second part can be inserted into a first part if the first and second part have compatible first and second locking means.
 12. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least one catheter, connected to a pressure chamber on or in said first part, a pressure sensor being provided within or connected to said pressure chamber, such that during use pressure in a fluid within said pressure chamber can be measured with said pressure sensor, resulting in data to be communicated by said communications means.
 13. A measuring device according to claim 12, wherein said pressure chamber is provided with at least one pressure relief opening, provided with a one-way valve, positioned such that fluid can be introduced past said valve into said pressure chamber but not in the opposite direction, wherein prior to use of the device the pressure relief valve is brought into an opened state such that the pressure chamber in is free communication with the environment of the device.
 14. A measuring device according to claim 13, wherein the second part and/or the first part are provided with an electronic circuit for resetting the at least one pressure sensor when said pressure relief valve is in said opened state.
 15. A measuring device according to claim 11, wherein the or each catheter is manufactured independent of said first part and is connected to said pressure chamber, preferably undetachably.
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. A method for measuring pressure in a bodily cavity using at least one catheter having a sensor, comprising the steps of: sterilizing said at least one catheter, connected to a first part of a measuring device together with said first part; inserting a second part into said first part, such that said second part is fully enclosed within said first par, said second part being provided with communication means for transmitting data received from said at least one sensor to recording and/or analyzing means.
 19. A method according to claim 18, further comprising the steps of: collecting data with said at least one sensor and transmitting said data by said communication means; opening said first part and disconnecting said second part from said first part; discarding said first part and preparing said second part for reuse.
 20. (canceled)
 21. A method for manufacturing a measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second part are manufactured, whereupon the second part is sent to a user such as a doctor and the first part is send sent to a supplier of catheters, who connects a number of catheters to said first part, after which the first part with the catheters is sterilized and is send sent to said user, said user introducing said second part into said first part.
 22. A method according to claim 21, wherein in the first part a first electronic circuit is provided which is loaded with information of at least the catheters and/or the manufacturer of said catheters, wherein the second part is connected with a second electronic circuit which is loaded with information about the user, whereas the first and second part are connected such that the first and second circuit exchange said information. 